A WOMAN who turned up at hospital drunk at 2 pm became aggressive and spat at security and nursing staff.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police arrived at Royal Blackburn Hospital staff were using a bed to keep Amy Louise Newton in a cubicle and away from them.

Newton, 31, of Wellington Court, Accrington, pleaded guilty to two charges of racially aggravated assault by spitting, criminal damage to a plastic glove dispenser and using threatening behaviour towards staff and a police officer. She was remanded on bail until July 15 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, said when police arrived in A & E Newton was in a cubicle and staff were using a bed to keep her there.

"She had been behaving aggressively and spitting at staff and was clearly heavily intoxicated," said Miss Coleman. "She shouted abuse at the officers as they were trying to deal with her."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client was extremely remorseful and ashamed.

He said Newton conceded she had too much to drink at a friend's house.

"She fell on the way home and the next thing she remembers is waking up in the police station," said Mr Taylor. "She has no recollection of the events in-between. Whether that is a combination of the alcohol and being knocked unconscious when she fell I don't know."